Located in the heart of Gangnam-gu, Schedule Cheongdam is positioned in a posh neighborhood known for everything upscale from food to fashion.

But the food here isn’t pretentious. Nor is it especially pricey.

The jambon Caesar salad is a good way to start your meal here, as the meltingly tender French ham readies your taste buds for what’s to come.

The black truffle gnocchi is just that, a dish of small Italian dumplings typically made from potato, flour and egg that pairs well with the nutty and earthy note of black truffle shavings, spread sparingly over the silky cream sauce.

A Margherita pizza with tomato and basil will complement the dishes so far, though the generous chunks of creamy cheese usually atop a Margherita are missing here. The pizza has rich wood-fired flavor, but a foodie might be tempted to add a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the texture.

For dessert, try an affogato of espresso and frozen vanilla ice cream. Coffee and a variety of drinks — from fresh-squeezed juice to smoothies and milkshakes — are available.

Schedule Cheongdam probably has more crystal chandeliers and light fixtures than any other restaurant in the neighborhood. Pendant, table and floor lamps provide ambient lighting, best appreciated in the evening hours.

With high levels of fine dust blanketing the country, it might be time to escape to a cozy cafe, where visitors can enjoy a culinary experience with a difference.

Doran Doran, located in the heart of Hongdae, invites visitors to relax at its kotatsu tables — low, wooden tables draped with heavy fabric with a hard worksurface on top.

One of the highlights at Doran Doran is the chance to make your own takoyaki, a popular Japanese snack made from flour batter and filled with chopped octopus.

Step-by-step instructions on how to make the dish are provided at the cafe in both print and video. Visitors can also style their takoyaki with a variety of toppings and sauces, creating social media-worthy photos.

For an extra dose of fun, the cafe offers playful props such as octopus headbands to wear while snapping pictures.

Reservations are a must and can be made through Naver. Bookings start at two people, costing 30,000 won ($20) , while three people can book for 39,999 won.

Doran Doran is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except on Wednesdays when it opens at 11 a.m.

Located about an hour away from Seoul, Cafe Munjiri 535 is a spacious cafe located next to a vast expanse of rice fields and a long, open highway. Just a short drive from the city, it offers a refreshing escape from daily life.

Spanning approximately 3,300 square meters with impressively high ceilings, this place is more than just a cafe. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the soothing sound of flowing water and the lush greenery of palm trees and tropical plants, creating the ambiance of a botanical garden.

The cafe has three floors, inlcuding a dense indoor walking path that evokes the feeling of stepping into a rainforest. There are also seating areas overlooking the rice fields. The walking path is lined with palm trees and other plants, an artificial pond and small fountains, adding to the exotic atmosphere. Even the stair landings are decorated with small potted plants.

The menu is diverse, offering pasta, salads, an assortment of baked goods, coffee, and various beverages.

Cafe Munjiri 535 is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with brunch menu orders available until 6:30 p.m.